Valentina Sampaio Says Victoria's Secret Made Her "Long-Held Dream Come True"
So happy for her TBH.
Valentina Sampaio walked the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show on Tuesday for its grand return, making her one of only two trans women to ever participate in the cultural-phenom event.
"This moment is one I will cherish for a lifetime," Sampaio told People of the milestone ahead of the show. "Today, the Victoria’s Secret family has shown the world that being trans is just as exceptional and beautiful as anyone else on that runway. Inclusivity is crucial to the world we’re building, and I’m honored to walk with pride, love and the hope of inspiring the next generation. Thank you, Victoria’s Secret, for making a long-held dream come true."
Speaking to Marie Claire days before the show, Sampaio called her casting a "major victory for trans people," adding, "Being a trans woman often means facing a closed door to people's hearts and minds. So working with Victoria’s Secret meant everything to me."
The supermodel shared that she never stopped believing in her chances of walking the Victoria's Secret runway one day, even though the show was canceled after 2018. "Even if the people told me that it would be impossible, I knew inside my heart that I was going to be a part of it," she said, and of course, she was right.
A post shared by Valentina Sampaio (@valentts)
A photo posted by on
The Brazilian model announced her casting on Instagram last week, via a video of herself in one of the brand's iconic candy-striped robes. She wrote, "I’m over the Moon… I’M IN!!! See you guys at the @victoriassecret Fashion Show 2024"
Sampaio was the first trans woman to model for Victoria's Secret back in 2019, and she was one of two trans women cast to walk the 2024 runway, alongside the American model Alex Consani.
The runway was a star-studded one all around, and also featured the likes of VS icons Taylor Hill, Gigi Hadid, Tyra Banks, Ashley Graham, Jasmine Tookes, Barbara Palvin, Adriana Lima, and so many more.
Stay In The Know
Select the newsletters you’d like to receive. Then, add your email to sign up.
Iris Goldsztajn is a London-based journalist, editor and author. She is the morning editor at Marie Claire, and her work has appeared in the likes of British Vogue, InStyle, Cosmopolitan, Refinery29 and SELF. Iris writes about everything from celebrity news and relationship advice to the pitfalls of diet culture and the joys of exercise. She has many opinions on Harry Styles, and can typically be found eating her body weight in cheap chocolate.
-
Kate and Lila Moss Make Their Victoria's Secret Debut Together
The mother-daughter pair both hit the runway with poise.
By Halie LeSavage Published
-
Tyla Brings Her Own Angelic Energy to the 2024 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show With an Ethereal Performance
The South African hitmaker performed her new track "PUSH 2 START" and her breakout hit "Water."
By Sadie Bell Published
-
Cher Gives a Powerhouse Performance of Her Greatest Hits to the 2024 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show
The pop icon headlined the highly anticipated return of the live runway event.
By Sadie Bell Published